Summer Gear: 3 Awesome Items

Summertime, and the livin' is easy. To help you make the most of your summertime outdoor adventures, here are three essential items for sun-bathers and stylish hikers:

Coppertone Sport Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 60 — $12

It is hard to imagine that I once considered a sunburn to be the first passage of summer. No longer — protection must be taken seriously. Here to help even the most fair-skinned Canucks is Coppertone’s new Sport Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 60. This ultra-potent cream will provide 80 minutes of SPF 60 during watersport activity or heavy sweating; its non-greasy formula bonds to the skin on contact. Best of all, because it is face-specific, it doesn’t run or sting your eyes. PABA and Paraben free. Coppertone

Manduka eKO Superlight Travel Mat — $40

Premium mat-maker Manduka has the solution for yogis on-the-go — the foldable eKO Superlight Travel Mat. Made from non-Amazon-sourced natural tree rubber, this biodegradable, zero-toxicity mat weighs less than one kilogram despite its full-size proportions (173 x 60 cm) and supple 1.5 mm thickness. Unlike most yoga mats, the svelte eKO is fully foldable; we were able to get it down to about the size of a waterbottle. Its slip-resistant surface (even when damp) is perfect not only for downward dog, but also as a general-purpose pack-surface; good for anything from picnics to sunbathing. Manduka

Hi-Tec Original Sierra Lite Hiker (Women’s) — $85

This retro-inspired hiker (a re-issue of Hi-Tec’s original boot) is great for the everyday outdoor girl — whether hiking the foothills or through the hills in your neighborhood. The high-top has great ankle support (with padded collars), moisture-wicking liner, plus lots of cushion through the insole and this tester found it sturdy enough for a variety of trails. However, my favourite feature of the Sierra Lites is that they are lightweight enough for everyday wear, and because of the spring trend colours I don’t feel self-conscious wearing them for urban recreation. (Available in three colours.) Hi-Tec